Therapy vs Trauma Recovery Coaching

If you are looking for Trauma Coaching, contact our Seattle office, call us at (206) 428-7750, or email us to schedule an appointment.

Trauma Recovery Coaching is a fresh approach in its effectiveness in working with trauma survivors and their unique challenges. Both modalities overlap in many ways, but there are some key differences.

Here are 6 key differences between trauma recovery coaching and therapy:

1. TRAUMA COACHING FOCUSES ON THE PRESENT AND FUTURE:
   While therapy tends to focus on the past, trauma coaching centers on the present and future. Trauma coaches help clients develop coping strategies, build resilience, and move forward in their lives.

   Therapists may explore past traumas and work with specific processing of emotions and exposure to the trauma with structured approaches.

   Trauma coaching uses a relational model rather than a medical or diagnostic model. Relational-focused coaching fosters experiencing a positive and healthy relationship and learning ways to regulate a traumatized nervous system to restore safety and connection. This way of relating helps clients to identify their innate strengths and internal resources to find new ways to heal from their experiences and forge deeper and healthy relationships moving forward.

   Clinically trained therapists treat mental illness or other significant emotional and relational concerns. Trauma coaches seek to help clients integrate and move forward to build a life they love, informed by their past. 

   Both professions share a common goal: they are working partners invested in helping you better yourself. 

2. TRAUMA COACHING IS SHORTER IN DURATION:
   Coaching is typically a shorter-term approach, often lasting a few months to a few years (for complex trauma or C-PTSD). Therapy may be a longer-term process that can last many years and addresses ongoing treatment for mental illness.

3. RECOVERY GOALS ARE KEY TO THE TRAUMA COACHING PROCESS:
   Trauma recovery coaching has specific recovery goals, such as developing a new skill, building confidence, and working with emotions and triggers. Therapy aims to create overall mental health and well-being and the treatment or management of symptoms regarding mental illness.

4. THE METHODS ARE DIFFERENT:
   Trauma coaching is often more action-oriented, using techniques such as present attunement, goal-setting, visualization, and psychoeducation. Therapy may involve more talking and processing of emotions and details of the trauma.

5. TRAUMA COACHING HAS A DIFFERENT POWER DYNAMIC:
   Whenever a certain role gives you authority over another or creates the perception that you have authority, the power differential should be considered.

   Coaching is peer-based with equal power dynamics, focused on the relationship. A coach comes alongside their client to brainstorm, provide information, and examine potential decisions. 

   Therapists, however, have a strong power dynamic as clinical providers to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illnesses, often having to intervene or make decisions for a patient in crisis. 

   There are benefits to both dynamics, depending on what stage certain types of support are required.

6. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ARE DIFFERENT:
   To become a therapist or counselor, a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, social work, or counseling, is required. Additionally, supervised clinical hours, licensure, or certification by a board is required. Continuing education is necessary to maintain their license or certification and stay up-to-date on their field's latest research and techniques. 

   Certified Trauma Recovery Coaches (TRCs) through the IAOTRC require similar steps, except for having a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. TRCs have specific trauma-informed education focusing on psychological, emotional, and neurobiological aspects. However, they use the coaching modality to support mental health. 

   Coaches are required to abide by a Code of Ethics and are governed by a board, similar to the oversight required for licensed mental health professionals.

How Do I Choose?
The short answer is that many trauma survivors need or could benefit from BOTH. Having a balanced mental health care team on your side that can utilize their unique professional strengths and training is a great way to keep the healing journey moving forward and efficient for all parties involved.

The shortage of mental health professionals after the Covid-19 Pandemic has put a massive strain on many therapists and counselors. Having a trained coach provide additional resources helps therapists and counselors to be more available to treat mental illnesses that require proper diagnosing and appropriate treatment plans. Trauma coaching can complement therapy perfectly to help people further integrate and build resilience after traumatic events.

While both approaches can be helpful, trauma coaching may be more beneficial for those looking for specific and tangible results.

Get in Touch With Us to Learn More
If you're unsure which approach is right, speaking with a professional to address your needs or concerns is a wise first step. To learn more, book a free consult here.